The top has flat-sewn seams to prevent chafing and rubbing, and even though I always run with an hydration pack I have never suffered with chafing caused by the shirt. It has reflective strips at the back which aids running in low light conditions. There are also perforated inserts at the armpits to help with air flow in that area. The main body is shaped to fit, with the tail end being slightly longer and it has great wicking capability. The top is warm in the winter and keeps you cool in the summer.

The only reason someone might not like this top is because it is 'fitted' (i.e. body-shaped) and it might not hide the more prominent belly!

When I started running, like most beginners I simply used an old cotton T-shirt. The Nike Sphere Dri-fit top was the first technical shirt I ever bought and I’ve never regretted the decision to buy it, even though I paid full price for it!

In fact it was bought on the day of my very first race (a number of years ago) and as you can imagine the top has developed its own distinctive aroma but, and this is the point, it is still going strong - a testimony to its manufacture!

Comfy cosy material, keeps you warm, can be foudn very cheap in TK Max!

Can be expensive, tight fit in places depending on build, is sphere dry a gimic?

A nice comfy T-shirt but nothing special. I have the zip neck version which is good if you get too warm and probably better thant the normal version. Main problem I had was the arms and shoulders are quite tight and I'm no Arnie so people with slim limbs need only apply, but I find that for lots of Nike stuff. Sphere fabric is quite thick and not very air-permeant so you can get quite warm. It's meant to react to sweat but I've never noticed so the zip top is far more effective at getting better ventilation! My top tip is that I've seen this shirt several times in TK Max (they often have Nike stuff) for as little as £9 so go hunt since at that price it's a serious bargain!

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